Case study · Motion design, storytelling

Fondation Lenval: a film to reassure families

Surgery is frightening, even a short operation. Especially for a child, and often even more so for the parents. The Fondation Lenval wanted to explain day surgery for appendicitis without causing alarm. We wrote and produced an animated film that reassures families before they even reach the hospital.

ClientFondation Lenval

SectorHealthcare, paediatric surgery

FormatEducational motion design film

ResultMuch greater acceptance, project recognised by the ARS

The film · [duration]

The challenge

Explaining surgery without causing fear.

The film had to speak to two audiences at once: children about to have surgery, and parents who have to accept that their child will go home the same day.

Too technical, and it worries the parents. Too childish, and it loses their trust. We had to find the right tone for both.

Deliberate choices

Three choices that make the difference.

Tell, don’t describe

The film follows the child step by step, rather than detailing the medical procedure.

A gentle world

Simple shapes and soothing colours, so the hospital feels familiar before you walk in.

A reassuring voice

Actress Julie voices the film: a calm tone that speaks to children and parents alike.

Behind the scenes

From script to screen.

ScriptStory and voice-over
StoryboardEvery shot, before animation
Art directionCharacters and world
AnimationProduction and sound editing

[Planche de storyboard 1]

Arriving at the hospital

[Planche de storyboard 2]

[Board caption]

[Planche de storyboard 3]

Going home

The result

Better-prepared families.

The animation greatly improved families’ acceptance of day surgery.

The project was recognised by the ARS, the regional health authority, and awarded additional funding.
Medical teams use the film as a teaching tool.
It is shown to patients on tablets and shared on the Foundation’s social media.